Caregiver Of The Year Award

Congratulations to Our 2025 Caregiver of the Year Winner and Finalists

2025 Visiting Angels Caregiver of the Year recipient, Tammy Tome.

Winner: Tammy Tome

Franchise Owner: Susan Heinle

Tammy was selected from nominations across the country. The award honors Tammy for her extraordinary dedication, dependability, compassion, and impact on the lives of seniors and their families.

“Tammy represents the very best of what it means to be an Angel,” said Susan Heinle, owner of Visiting Angels York, Pennsylvania. “Her compassion, skill, and ability to meet clients exactly where they are, both physically and emotionally, make her truly exceptional. We’re so proud to see her honored for the difference she makes every single day.”

Tammy has spent the last 25 years as a caregiver, with the last two as an Angel. She’s a trusted advocate who ensures her clients are physically and emotionally supported. When a Visiting Angels client was living in a shelter without proper support, Tammy was his Angel providing consistent care. Today, he is in stable housing and credits Tammy with helping him feel like a real person again.

The wife of another client described Tammy as ‘the wind behind their backs’ on some days and ‘a welcome break’ for her on others.

Finalist:
Cherry Seibers

Cookeville, TN

Franchise Owner:
Charlotte Suggs-Nabors

Cherry has dedicated more than two decades of her life to caregiving, starting at just 15 years old, when she volunteered at a nursing home. In her 11 years with Visiting Angels, she’s never missed a shift. That includes caring for the same client for eight years. That client even says that without Cherry, his sunshine would be gone.

It’s not just about Cherry’s skills but the warmth in her heart and the nurturing environment she creates.

Even when covering shifts for other caregivers, Cherry leaves a lasting impression. Clients often request her by name, moved by her warmth and her ability to create a genuine connection.

Finalist:
Esperanza “Marty” Lusby

Kennewick, WA

Franchise Owners:
Christine Rose-VanWormer

Marty provided over 20,000 hours of care over the last 17 years as an Angel. She is known for anticipating her clients’ needs—whether preparing a warm towel for relaxation, arranging fresh flowers from the garden, or writing large-print letters to help them stay connected with loved ones.

Marty is known for spreading the word of Visiting Angels in the Tri-Cities, whether that’s referring new clients and caregivers or volunteering at local events dressed in festive costumes. Her genuine passion and advocacy have made her a trusted face of Visiting Angels Kennewick.

Congratulations to Our Semi-Finalists

Semi-Finalist:
Shannon Neal

Santa Monica, CA

Franchise Owner:
Kathy & LeRoy Nelson

“One of the many examples of Shannon going above and beyond is when a client was suddenly moved to a new home.

The client—who had severe dementia—was left disoriented and distressed. Shannon drove eight hours to be there to continue care at the new location, helping the client adjust.

Shannon’s willingness to step in when others might not, is a testament to her dedication and beautifully reflects the spirit of Visiting Angels.”

Semi-Finalist:
Veron Regis

Fayetteville, GA

Franchise Owner:
David, Renee & Scott McIver

“We are so lucky to have Veron with us for the past 12 years. She embodies all the characters one would want in a caregiver for our clients. Not only does she make sure her clients are happy and feel cared for, but also that they are comfortable and at ease.

Vernon provides assistance for her clients in day-to-day activities but always goes the extra mile. For example, she assists her client in bathing and washing and then takes the next step to roll her hair. This allows our client to feel good about herself and stay motivated each day.”

Semi-Finalist:
Richard Wlodarczyk

Scotch Plains, NJ

Franchise Owners:
Amie & Kenneth Bass

“Richard embodies the true meaning of empathy—truly understanding another person's pain and doing everything he can to alleviate it. His calm, gentle spirit is perfectly balanced with strength and energy, allowing him to navigate even the most challenging situations with grace.

Without a doubt, Richard sets the bar high by demonstrating a deep understanding of his clients' needs. He knows how to make others feel truly valued and understood. Richard has truly found his calling in life—he is a natural.”

Semi-Finalist:
Esmeralda Miramontes

North County San Diego, CA

Franchise Owners:
Jaime Dill

“Esmeralda has such dedication to every client she serves, showing grace, patience & love and clients respond to her in positive way. She is caring, understanding and extremely funny to break the ice. This Angel never brings personal issues to work, setting the example to other employees.

Esmeralda builds rapport with everyone she meets—developing strong intimate connections with clients and caregivers alike. She easily adapts, brings hope and encouragement in times of need and provides comfort and peace to those on hospice in their final days.”

Semi-Finalist:
Lonni Stapanon

Nashua, NH

Franchise Owners:
Louise Murphy

“Lonni is completely engaged with her clients, taking the time to listen to them and understand their backgrounds so she can bring joy to every interaction. She never oversteps, always empowering her clients to maintain as much independence as possible. Lonni makes a difference to everyone she encounters—clients, families, care professionals, and office staff alike.

Lonni is an incredible team player. She willingly picks up extra shifts, connects with new clients, and shares insights to help us continue improving our care.”

Semi-Finalist:
Noreen Doherty

Chelmsford, MA

Franchise Owners:
Larry Michel & Karen Woodrow

“Noreen consistently models our mission, bringing comfort, dignity, and hope. A young father, nearing the end of his battle with cancer was unable to be left alone, and many of his caregivers were struggling with burnout, weighed down by the emotional toll of the situation. Noreen took one of the open shifts and afterwards, called the owners to say, "I will take any open shift. That man needs us.“

Noreen's unwavering dedication to this client, her emotional intelligence, and her ability to uplift others in difficult circumstances truly embodies the mission of Visiting Angels.”

Semi-Finalist:
Julene Barnett Louza

Livermore, CA

Franchise Owners:
Amma Akwabi-Ameyaw

“Julene is an exceptional caregiver who always makes sure each person feels valued, respected, and heard. What truly sets her apart is how she connects with her clients and their families, treating everyone with dignity and care. Her dedication and kindness make a real difference in the lives of those she cares for, and simply put, Julene is a rare gem in our caregiving family.

Julene has been a long-time caregiver for a client with dementia and another with developmental challenges. The families of both clients absolutely adore her—as Julene's kindness, patience, and positivity help them feel seen, valued, and empowered, even during challenging days.”

“Caregiving requires compassion, patience, and dedication. It is not an easy job. We are proud and thankful for all our caregivers, but these nominees for the 2025 Caregiver of the Year award have gone above and beyond to help our clients live a life of dignity as they age gracefully at home.”

Larry Meigs
President and CEO of Visiting Angels

Welcome to Visiting Angels

Caregiver of the Year Award

Welcome to Visiting Angels

Caregiver of the Year Award

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